Italian Sausage Cheese Bake

Italian Sausage Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dinner that comes together quickly, making weeknight meals easy and delicious. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a bubbly cheese topping creates a dish that is both hearty and flavorful, perfect for feeding a family or gathering with friends. This casserole brings together simple ingredients for a result that tastes like a special occasion.

I first made this casserole years ago using a now discontinued sauce, and since switching to pasta it has become a household favorite. It’s a dish my family asks for regularly, especially on chilly evenings when they want something warm and filling.

Ingredients

• Eight ounces dried pasta: rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and hollow shape trap the sauce, but any short pasta works well
• One pound Italian sausage: spicy sausage adds a nice kick but mild or sweet varieties create a more subtle flavor, choose good quality meat for best taste
• Two cloves garlic minced: fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and enhances the meat sauce
• Two cups pasta sauce: use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for a richer option, quality tomato sauce makes a big difference here
• One and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese: shredding your own cheese helps it melt better and prevents clumping
• Two tablespoons fresh basil: adds brightness and a fresh herbal note, optional but highly recommended for garnish

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for three minutes less than the package directions to ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked and will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Brown the Meat:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage for five to seven minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Carefully drain excess grease from the pan to prevent a greasy casserole.

Add the Garlic and Sauce:

Return the skillet with the drained sausage to the heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the pasta sauce, stir to combine with the meat, and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook gently for five to ten minutes to meld the flavors together.

Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir in three quarters of the shredded mozzarella cheese until fully incorporated and the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and melted cheese.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot and the cheese is melted. For a golden brown cheesy top, remove the cover in the last few minutes and broil on low while watching closely.

Top with Basil:

Top with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Mozzarella cheese is my favorite part of this casserole because it melts so beautifully and creates a gooey top layer that everyone fights over. I have fond memories of my family gathering around the table to shovel this in, especially on holidays when everyone needed something hearty and approachable.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within three to four days for best taste and safety. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole prior to baking or once fully cooked. When frozen, it can last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead of pork Italian sausage for a leaner option. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil or Italian seasoning blends can add herbal flavor, though fresh is best for finishing. Any short pasta shapes such as penne, ziti, or shells work well, and gluten-free pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs. For the mozzarella, part-skim or whole milk varieties will melt differently but both tasty, and you could add Parmesan or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This sausage casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for richness. For bread lovers, serve alongside warm garlic breadsticks or soft dinner rolls. Vegetables like roasted asparagus or air fryer Brussels sprouts offer a fresh, crisp contrast to the cheesy pasta.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a crisp salad for a cozy family meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short-cut pasta like rigatoni or penne is ideal as it holds sauce well and maintains texture during baking.

→ Can I use different kinds of sausage?

Yes, choose spicy, mild, or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preferred flavor intensity.

→ How do I prevent pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook pasta slightly less than package instructions; it will finish cooking in the sauce while baking.

→ Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and cover, then refrigerate for next-day baking or freeze for up to three months.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh basil and grated Parmesan add freshness and depth, enhancing the baked flavors beautifully.